Ranthambore National Park - India's Most Visited National Park

It really is the matter of cheers for the wildlife enthusiasts in this monsoon as the famous Ranthambore National Park to be kept open for the wildlife tourists during the monsoon season. Unlike the rainy season of every year, the forest department of Rajasthan has decided that the Ranthambore tiger reserve and other tiger reserves in the state remain open for the tourists also during the monsoon season of this year. It means the tiger reserves in the state will remain open throughout the year, however, which is a clear violation of the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). According to the NTCA guidelines, all the Tiger Reserves in India should be kept closed for at least 3 months in a year.

The Tiger reserves in Rajasthan or any other tiger reserve in India closes down any tourism activities during the monsoon season which starts from July and lasts till September. The park closes its door for tourists for the two reasons; first is the safari in the dense forest during the monsoon season is not safe and it can be very dangerous to roam inside the forest during the heavy rain and overflowing rivers, and the second reason is the monsoon season is the mating season for the Big cats so in order to reduce the human interference during their mating season the park is closed. Also, the big cats don't like any kind of interference during their mating period, especially, any human intervention and it infuriates them, which may lead to human-animal conflict and any fatal incident.

However, it is said that the Rajasthan forest department has taken the decision to allow the wildlife lovers to enjoy the tiger safari also during the monsoon season under the pressure of the very powerful lobby of hoteliers. There are 10 safari routes in the Ranthambore National Park and the routes are allotted to the safari Jeep at the time of entry. Among the ten routes, the five routes will remain open for the safari during this rainy season. Apart from the Ranthambore, the Sariska Tiger Reserve will also remain open during the monsoon season, making tiger safari available for the tourist throughout the year.

According to the sources, an order has been issued from the office of the Chief Wildlife Warden of Rajasthan to keep all the tiger reserves open for the wildlife tourists during the monsoon season. The order was said to be given after the suggestion from the standing committee of Rajasthan Wildlife Board. The suggestion says that the tourists could be permitted for the safari in the parks during the monsoon season. As per the NTCA order dated August 18, 2015, the tiger reserves should be kept closed for 3-5 months in a year. "While this NTCA order makes sense in a state like Kerala where it rains heavily during the monsoon season, it is of no use in Rajasthan where scanty rains are reported," said a senior forest department official. The field director can decide which routes are allowed and which should be closed for the safari due to the rain during the monsoon season.

Sariska National Park, Rajasthan

Tigers are very protective towards their territories and they don't like anyone's interference in their territories. They even fight to the death to save their territories when it comes to the territory disputes with others or their own offspring. The rising population of tigers in various tiger reserves and sanctuaries such as Sariska Tiger Reserve, Ranthambore National Park, Corbett Park, etc. is triggering these territory disputes.

Recently, in a territory dispute between the tigers in the Sariska NP, a tiger has chased out his son from the core area of the tiger reserve zone. The population of tiger in the Sariska has taken a leap after relocating the tigers of Ranthambore National Park to this park. However, it is a matter of rejoicing for the wildlife lovers and the forest officials of the Sariska that this tiger reserve has remarkably made a comeback in tiger population.

Nearly a decade ago, Sariska has not a single tiger left in the park due to the heavy poaching activities. But, the tiger count has increased after the translocation of tigers in this park. But also, the increasing number of tigers fuels the turf war between the big cats. At present, there are around 14 tigers in the Sariska tiger reserve zone having the area of approximately 500 sq km as the core zone and around 300sq km as the buffer area.

The turf war that took place between ST-6 and ST-13, a father and son, has upheld the supremacy of father ST-6 over his son St-13, and St-6 made sure that St-13 stay away from the core area. Since the fight which took place a few months ago, Tiger ST-13 has been moving in the buffer areas only in the Rajgarh forest.

There have been several combined attempts has been made by the Sariska officials, experts of Wildlife Institute of India and the officials of Jaipur Zoo to tranquilize and bring ST-13 back to the core area or put a radio caller in its neck so that it can be effectively monitored in the buffer area but all the efforts were in vain.

According to the deputy conservator of the Sariska Mr. Balaji Kari, the officials are continually monitoring the tiger in the buffer zone that's why Tiger is in no danger and also easily getting its prey in the territorial division of Alwar. He also said, "We tried to capture but failed as his movement downhill is usually at midnight. We have laid camera traps and a team of forest staff is on the task."

A senior official of the forest department said, "A day before ST-13 ran away in November 2016, he was spotted with ST-6 in the Tehla area. We assume that they had a fight, and ST-13, born to ST-2, was pushed to the periphery."

Normally, an adult tiger or tigress demarcates the area of 10-12 sq km to make their territory and don't allow any rival to enter into their territory. If anyone enters, then a fight is inevitable between them to dominate the area and the stronger retains the area and the weaklier has to walk out of the territory.

Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur News Update:

A male tiger T-91, also known as Mirza, was seen injured by the Porcupine spines when it was spotted in the Kachcha Chaata region of Ranthambore National Park on Wednesday, June 07, 2017 at around 6 o'clock. There were around seven thorns' of Porcupine quills penetrated into its muscles when the tiger was seen. The four spines were penetrated around its neck and three spines were in the chest area.

When got the news the Ranthambore forest officials reached there and then tranquilized the tiger so that it can be operated to take the quills out of the tiger's body. The operation lasted for around half an hour and all the seven quills were removed from its body successfully. The tiger was successfully operated by Dr. Rajeev Garg and his team.

As per Dr. Garg, the tiger was recovered and came to senses after 15 min of the operation. He also told that if the tiger was not operated on time, then it could have been dangerous for his life. But, he is fully out of danger now after the proper treatment.

The tiger T-91 is the son of the tigress T-30 (Husn-Ara) who was passed away last year in Jan 2016. He was born in the fourth litter of the tigress who preferred to stay in non-tourism areas when alive. The Aam Choki near the Gilaisagar in the Khandar region of Ranthambore is considered as the territory of the Tigress T30. After the death of his mother, the tiger T-91 has occupied the mother's territory.

But after the few months, T-91 came out from the Aam Choki and moved to Rajbagh area. He was sharing his territory with the famous tigress T-84 (Arrowhead). Recently, both have been seen mating near the Malik Talao. The tigress T-83 aka Arrowhead is the queen of the lake in the zone 3 of Ranthambore National Park and most sought after tigress by the wildlife tourists.

Just two months have passed when Ranthambore had rejoiced for its three new members of the big cat when three cubs were spotted with their mother and now again there is a good news for the wildlife lovers as one more member is going to increase the tiger count in the Ranthambore tiger reserve.

Famous for its amazing tigers, the Ranthambore tiger reserve is the most celebrated tiger zone in the country due to its fast growing tiger population. And, the cubs of the tigress T-79 is the new addition in the glorious big cat club of Ranthambore.

The tigress T-79 gave birth to cubs and this news was surfaced after a new little cub's picture was captured in the camera trap in the previous night. The cub has been seen in the lowland region of the Phalodi range of Ranthambore NP.

The forest department of Ranthambore has increased the monitoring of the area after the sighting of the little tiger cub. Though only one cub has been spotted until now, the speculation is that the number of cubs of Tigress T-79 can be more than one as the pugmarks have been found are of more than one tiger cub.

The Ranthambore tiger reserve is spread in the area of around 400 sq km in which the number of tigers was 62 till the March of 2017. The fast increasing population of the tiger in Ranthambore can be a problematic situation and also can be the cause of increased man and animal conflict so the wildlife corridors are going to be a big necessity for the wildlife conservation in the future. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has the abundance of the big cat while Sariska tiger reserve has only a few tigers in its forest.

The state of Rajasthan is as famous for its colorful culture and festivals as its Royal heritage that inscribed the history of Rajasthan. The mesmerizing Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan proudly tell the mightiness and valor of the Rajput Kings and Chiefs of the bygone era of Rajasthan. The Rajputs Kings are not only known for their courage and high esteem, but also for their art and culture which shows in the creation of some of the most illustrious and remarkable Forts and Palaces in the Royal era of Rajasthan which still stands proudly.

Here, in this article, you will know about the

5 most celebrated rulers of the various Kingdoms of Royal Rajasthan

in the medieval era, who had not only shown the valor and courage during their regime but keep inspiring people in the modern era as well.

Hammir Dev Chauhan (1283-1301)-

Hammir Dev Chauhan, also known as Hammiradeva, was the legendary king of the part of Rajasthan in the medieval era and was the last king of the Chauhan dynasty who ruled Ranastambhapura, known as Ranthambore in modern times. He conquered several neighbor states ruled by other Hindu kings in order to expand his kingdom. And, due to which he was left without any allies at the time of the Great War between him and Alauddin Khilji, the mighty Muslim Sultan of Delhi. In the war against Khilji's general in 1290 and 1299, he defeated Khilji's army, but in 1301, an army led by Khilji himself resulted in the defeat and death of Hammir Dev. He was the most glorious ruler the Ranthambore Fort ever witnessed. The fort is still standing proudly in the Ranthambore National Park telling the story of this mighty king.

Rana Kumbha (1433-1468)-

Also known as the 'Hindu Sultan' and 'Abhinav Bharta Charya', Rana Kumbha (or Kumbhakarna) was the most eminent ruler of Mewar in that era. He was the king with great administrative skill, amazing battle prowess and intellect. He was like the bright sun in the history of Mewar. During 35 years of his regime, he never lost any battle and extended his territory till Malwa and Agra in south and north respectively. Furthermore, he also was a great builder and known for renovating of 32 Forts around Mewar including the most famous the Kumbhalgarh Fort which is also a world heritage site. He also showed his creative side by writing various literature such as Samgita-raja, Rasika-Priya, Sudaprabandha, and Kamaraja-ratisara.

Hem Chandra Vikramaditya (1501-1556)-

Hem Chandra Vikramaditya, also known as Hemu, was the Hindu general of the Adil Shah Suri. He famously won the 22 battles for the Adil Shah against the Afghans and Mughals. In 1556, he defeated the army of Akbar in the battle of Delhi and then earned the name Vikramaditya. He established the 'Hindu Raj' in North India for a short duration from the Purana Quila in Delhi. In the year of 1556, Hem Chandra was killed in the second battle of Panipat fighting against the Mughals.

Maharana Pratap Singh (1540-1597)

Maharana Pratap Singh was the king of Mewar, the most powerful kingdom in the Rajasthan at that era. He becomes the legendary King due to his fighting attitude against the mighty Akbar when nearly all of the Rajput Kings and Chiefs accepted the supremacy of Akbar and entered into his vassalage. He famously fought the battle of Haldighati in 1576 but that resulted in his defeat and he had to retreat and had to operate from the hilly area of Mewar. He continued fighting against Akbar and later recaptured many of his lost territories from Akbar. The Maharana was died in 1597 due to the injuries he got during a hunting accident. At the site of Maharana's funeral in Chavand, a Chhatri (monument) was established which is a prime tourist attraction in Chavand.

According to a prominent Historian Satish Chandra, due to his defying of the mighty Mughal empire almost alone and unaided by the other Rajput states, Rana Pratap represents the glorious saga of Rajput valor and the spirit of self-sacrifice for the esteem and principles. The sporadic warfare method used by Rana Pratap was later extended further by Panna, and his younger brother Jaimal.

Maharaja Suraj Mal (1707-1763)

The Jat king Maharaja Suraj Mal, also known as Sujan Singh, was the powerful ruler of Bharatpur located in the present day Rajasthan. He is famously described as the "Plato of the Jat people" and the "Jat Odysseus" by the modern historians and writers due to his extraordinary political acumen, high intellect and clear vision. After conquering many battles against cumulative armies, he showed his immense power and war strategies. In 1763, he died in the battle with the Nawab Najib ad-Dawlah.

Ranthambore National Park needs no introduction to the wildlife lovers as we all know this famous tiger reserve forest in India for being the habitat of the legendary tigress named Machli, which was the most photographed and documented tiger in the wild when alive. I was so fascinated by the tigress Machli that I always wanted to visit the Ranthambore tiger reserve to watch her in its natural habitat, but for one or another reason I couldn't have managed to visit here earlier before the tigress died last year.

However, even after her not being physically present here anymore, our trip to the Ranthambore forest was stirred by our love for her as I often watch her videos and see her photographs shared by various wildlife photographers and tourists who happened to click her picture when she was alive and ruling the Ranthambore tiger reserve as a queen. We had booked the two safaris - one in the morning and one in the evening. And, we were really lucky as we got the sight of a tiger in our first safari as well as the sight of a tigress with her three cubs in the second safari on the same day.

We were really blessed that day as we got to see the tigress and her cubs from the few meters of distance that too for around one hour as they were resting lazily and playing with each other completely aloof from what was happening around them. The mother tiger was dozing off while her cubs were trying to play with her and thus not letting her sleep. Such an amusing mother-child playfulness of the most dangerous species of the wild was rare for any human being to see. We felt as if we were some special guest of Nature so awarded with such an enchanting sight.

Though we were very much content with the sight of the tigress and her cubs, but there are many other animals in the forest which draw our attention with their beauty and behavior. Apart from the tiger, we also got amazing chances to spot honey bears, crocodiles around the lakes along with the abundance of deer and monkeys which were almost everywhere in the forest. We have also seen a good number of exotic birds which I had never seen before in any other sanctuaries where I had been earlier in India. They were indeed very beautiful and mesmerizing birds, perhaps they were migratory birds as I guessed.

Frankly speaking, my 2-day trip to Ranthambore National Park with friends was very much enriching for me and it really gave me much needed breathing air away from my chaotic work life in the city. This beautiful park offered me an opportunity to have a rendezvous with some of the amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. I will recommend every wildlife lovers to visit this tiger reserve as most probably you will be bestowed with tiger sighting along with other wild animals and amazing natural beauty.

Would you believe if I tell you that there is a temple in a remote, tranquil place in Rajasthan which receives around 20 kg of letters every day and all of them are conscientiously read by the priests in front of Lord Ganesh?

Yes, that's true!

A temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha which is located inside an old Fort amidst the dense forest away from the populace is receiving such a huge number of letters every day.

You must be wondering what these letters are for and who sent them.

For your information, all these letters contain formal prayers and requests, wedding invitation cards, invitations to various auspicious functions, wish petitions, thanksgiving letters and various others addressing to Lord Ganesha, the premier deity of the Temple.

The priests of the temple used to read all these letters in front of the Lord Ganesha as devotees believe that if their prayers, requests and invitations will be read in front of the Lord Ganesh idol here then it will be heard and resolved quickly by him, the Obstacle remover god.

Due to this eternal devotion and faith towards the Lord Trinetra Ganesha, the devotees from all over the world convey their problems and requests directly to the Lord through the letters.

The Trinetra Ganesha of Ranthambore is believed to be the Pratham Ganesha who is worshipped first before performing any auspicious ritual in the Hindu religion. Lord Ganesha is a symbol of auspiciousness and also known as the Lord of Intellect and the destroyer of obstacles. It is believed that worshiping him brings good luck and fortune.

The Trinetra Ganesha Temple in Ranthambore is considered as one of the oldest temples in India and the only temple in the whole world where Lord Ganesha is with his whole family.

The temple is situated in the mighty Ranthambore Fort which is located within the Ranthambore National park, a highly celebrated wildlife sanctuary in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. The Ranthambore Fort is the tenth-century fortress lies on the Aravali Hills and a World Heritage site.

Historical Legend of the Temple

Known as one of the oldest Ganesha Temple in the world, this pilgrimage center has been said to be built in 1300 by the great king of Chauhan dynasty, Hammir Dev Chauhan.

It is said that the king Hammir Dev prayed to Lord Ganesha when his kingdom was in trouble during an ongoing battle with the Sultan of Delhi, Ala-ud-Din Khilji in 1299 AD. The king dreamt the very night that Lord Ganesha appeared in front of him and promising that his trouble will end the next morning. Miraculously, the war ended the next morning and also an idol of Lord Ganesh with three eyes was found.

Later in 1300 AD, the King Hammir Dev installed the Lord Ganesha idol along with his wives Sri Riddhi Siddhi and his two sons Shub and Labh.

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival

Ganesh Chaturthi festival is the main festival of this temple and celebrated with much vigor and dedication. Many thousands of devotees visit from different parts of the country to worship Lord Ganesh during the festive period. The Wednesday is the special day in this temple as this particular day of the week is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. However, if you don't like the crowd, then you should avoid visiting this temple during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival as the place is much crowded with the devotees who come here for the Darshan and Puja.

Address of the Trinetra Ganesha Temple, Ranthambore-

If you have any auspicious occasion at your home, then like many other devotees you can also send the first invitation to Lord Ganesha through the postal service.

You can mail your letters or marriage invitations to Lord Ganesha at the address mentioned below:

Sanjay Dadhich,

Dadhich Sadan,

Opp. Hotel hill View Ranthambore Road,

Sawai Madhopur (Rajasthan) 322021.

Landline No : +91 7462 220 655, +91 7462 228 01.

Mobile No : +91 9414 045 263, +91 9784 407 076.

NOTE: Please send your marriage invitations 15 days prior to the occasion so that it can be offered to Lord Ganesha in time.

What could be more adventurous than the confronting the wild beasts in their natural habitat! Nothing could trigger your adrenaline rush more than this. Nothing could make your heart beat stop than seeing a tiger just few yard away from you. Isn't it? Of course, all of you who have visited any tiger reserve forest even once in their life and got the sighting of this amazing predator will concur with me on this. If you haven't been on any such adventure trips, you are missing a great adventurous feeling. And, the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve will be the best option if you want to drive right away for such adventure trip.

With the escalating number of tigers in the recent years, the Ranthambore National Park becomes the prime spot for the wildlife enthusiasts from all over the world. And, adding the spice, the internationally famed star tigers here attract tiger lovers from all over the world just like a magnet attracts iron. Spread in the large landscape filled with a massive number of dry deciduous trees and small shrubby plants, the Ranthambhore forest offers you a quaint view of a forest. However, the forest has large greenery covered hilly areas in comparison to the other regions of Rajasthan which are famous for their desert landscape.

The Ranthambhore National Park is located around 10 km from the Sawai Madhopur district of the Rajasthan and can easily be accessible from all the important locations of India as well as the Jaipur International Airport is around 160 km and directly connect through the road and the rail making it easily accessible to the wildlife lovers of the world. Now coming to the point, here are the five places in Ranthambore which you should not miss to visit while you are in Ranthambore for the adventure trip.

Climb Up to the Mighty Ranthambore Fort:It's an irony that most visitors often focus only on the tiger sighting and ignore the stunning Ranthambore Fort which is located in the heart of the large forest. The fort stands proudly since the mid of the 10th century, when it is said to be constructed in the reign of Chauhan Rajput ruler Sapaldaksha. The fort is the living testimony of the glory and grandeur of Rulers of the Ranthambore region. The overlooking view of the entire forest and hills from the top of the fort is very enchanting and magnificent. You can visit the Fort in your own car, but you have to keep the pollution clearance certificate of your car handy with you as you can't enter the forest without showing it at the entrance.

On the way to the fort, you might get the sight of various wild animals or even you can get a glimpse of the majestic ruler of the forest, the royal tiger as the way to the fort passes through the forest. So, don't get hassled by the sight of sambhars, deer, hyena, leopards and langurs in your way to the fort. The historicity of the interiors of the fort is marvelous and testifies the glory and valor of the Chauhan dynasty. There is a famous temple of Lord Ganesha inside the fort, which is visited by the plenty of devotees every day. Also, there is a Digambar Jain temple, a Dargah and a mosque inside the fort. If you want, you can hire a guide here.

Savor the Tranquility of the Kachida Valley:

With mesmerizing lush greenery, the Kachida valley will captivate your mind with its natural beauty and the tranquil environment. You will fall in love with this valley at the first sight. The terrain of the valley consists of many rocky outcrops, an abundance of water bodies, low hills and a large green expanse. The valley is located at the edge of the park and populated by the Panthers in majority along with the other animals like sloth bears, wild boars and deer. This valley is home to panthers as they don't venture deep into the jungle to avoid conflicts with the tigers.

Submerge into the history at Raj Bagh Ruins:

With the ruins of prehistoric monuments, The Raj Bagh ruins will take you to the voyage of a prehistoric era. The wracked stone structures of palace outhouses, arches and domes are the reminder of the bygone Royal era of Rajasthan. The historic monumental remains here are not only a testimony of the imperial epoch of the past but also enhance the scenic beauty of the landscape. Seated idly in between the two famous lakes, Padam Talao and Raj Bagh Talao, it gives a visual delight to the visitors.

Jogi Mahal - Now Ruled by Tigers:

The famous Mahal on the bank of the Padam Talab in Ranthambore is known as Jogi Mahal, which was once the resting abode for Jaipur Royals when they used to visit Ranthambore for hunting excursion. The Padam Talao is known for having the water throughout the year, even when most of the Ranthambore forest is dry during the summer season and thus thirsty tigers often visit here to drink water making it the best place to hunt tigers. Later, the Mahal was converted into a forest rest house for the tourists, but after a poaching incident here, it is closed for tourists to stay here or visit inside, but one can make a stop here during the safari and view it from outside. As for now, good tigers sighting has been reported in and around this area, making it a good location to spot a tiger. Besides this, the place is a visual pleasure for nature lovers as well.

Get a Tiger for Yourself at Dastkar Ranthambore:

It is a must visit place outside the Ranthambore National Park to buy a souvenir and other handmade beautiful and useful items for yourself. From handmade tiger toys in various sizes and wildlife painting to a large variety of handcrafted handbags, bed sheets, cushion covers, sandals and many more items, you can go on a shopping spree here. These handmade items are based on the wildlife themes and are not only beautiful and fancy but durable too and available at a very reasonable price. There are traditional jewelries, hand crafted and block printed dupattas, skirts and many other items to carry home. Just visit here and take a look.